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Meet our 2022-2023 LIFT Scholars!

Alyssa Shook, English	LIFT Scholar Alyssa Shook is passionate about the success of her students and is committed to 'building on what inspires them to continue their education--whatever that looks like for them!" She also hopes to create positive experiences and "foster a generation of socially conscious and media-literate students."
Edith Avalos-Rodriguez, Multiple Subjects	LIFT Scholar Edith Avalos-Rodriguez wants to teach in communities such as Watsonville and help students break down the language and cultural barriers that they face. She hopes to create positive change in the world and, "be part of communities that need all the support and advocacy they have been missing and deserve."
Esmeralda Garcia-Martinez, Social Sciences	LIFT Scholar Esmeralda (Esme) Garcia-Martinez is a proud first generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants. Esme returned to school because she believes we need more bilingual teachers of color to uplift our youth. She is also excited to be joining the teaching profession at a time when ethnic studies is becoming part of the K-12 education in California. She will "continue mentoring youth and serving the community" and pave the way to higher education for other first generation college students.
Fabiola Pérez-Cataño, Multiple Subjects	LIFT Scholar Fabiola Pérez-Cataño is passionate about teaching because of the huge impact that her amazing teachers had on her, some of whom are still helping to shape the educator she is becoming. Fabiola hopes to "provide a space where students can grow as individuals and scholars, and receive the support they need to succeed in a world that may not always be in their favor."
Jennifer Rivas, Science	LIFT Scholar Jennifer Rivas solidified her desire to teach after joining the UCSC Cal Teach program. "I realized it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and I've never been happier!" Jennifer believes that "many students just need that tiny spark that will ignite when they finally find something they are passionate about, and I hope to help them either start the spark or ignite it!"
Jocelyn Venegas Magallanes, Math	LIFT Scholar Jocelyn Venegas Magallanes is passionate about mathematics and is eager to "give students the opportunity to see how important and beautiful math is." Jocelyn hopes to ensure that every single one of her students sees that they belong in math and academic settings. "I hope to teach students math that is meaningful and build a more equitable education."
Julia Swing, English	LIFT Scholar Julia Swing wants to teach so she can make a positive change in her community. She also hopes to create a safe space for her students to grow, explore new things, and learn about themselves and the world around them. She hopes to foster a love of learning and self-expression. "Mostly I want to create a classroom environment where students feel like they can be themselves."
Marcela Portales, Science	LIFT Scholar Marcela Portales wants to make science fun and engaging and provide all of her students with opportunities to understand the world around them. Marcela is looking forward to taking her students "out in the field to scuba dive, snorkel, and tide pool."
Melinda Moxley, Multiple Subjects	For LIFT Scholar Melinda (Mindy) Moxley, she knows that she was born to teach. She wants her students to know that their voice not only matters, but is critical in the classroom learning community. She maintains that "as an educator and advocate of social justice, these voices will be heard and are an incredibly powerful part of the change that is needed in our country today."
Nicole Morales Florentino, Multiple Subjects	LIFT Scholar Nicole Morales Florentino believes that education is foundational to shaping who we become. She believes that the classroom can profoundly alter children's paths and change how they view themselves and the world. For Nicole, being a teacher is about social change moving towards a more equitable model of education. "A teacher's job is one of the most important in the community and society."
Ivon Murillo Zaragoza, Multiple Subjects	LIFT Scholar Ivon Murillo Zaragoza hopes to provide her students with the resources and guidance so that, like her, they can find success as they embrace their passions and dreams. She hopes that her students "can feel seen and heard."